Cuba and UK agree to debt restructuring

(Baonghean.vn) - On April 30, at a meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, who is visiting Cuba, reached an agreement on restructuring Havana's debts - applicable to Cuba's medium- and long-term debts to the UK.

Mr. Hammond held talks with his Cuban counterpart Bruno Rodriguez. Photo: Reuters.

According to a Cuban government announcement, the agreement "will contribute to the development of economic, trade and financial relations between the two countries."

During the meeting, President Castro and Foreign Secretary Hammond "confirmed progress" in bilateral relations as well as "prospects" in areas of mutual interest, and praised the two countries' signing of a debt restructuring agreement.

Currently, the British Embassy in Havana as well as Cuban officials have not announced specific figures on the above debts or details of this agreement.

Earlier, Minister Hammond held talks with his host counterpart Bruno Rodriguez, discussing a range of issues, especially recent socio-economic policy adjustments in Cuba.

Regarding measures to promote bilateral cooperation, the two sides focused on discussing areas such as trade, investment, and health. Mr. Hammond emphasized that London is ready to promote cooperation with Havana in the fields of culture, tourism, etc. to enhance understanding between the people of the two countries.

On the same day, the two ministers witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation agreements in the fields of energy, culture and financial services. Mr. Hammond is the first British Foreign Secretary to visit Cuba since 1959./.

Lan Ha

(According to AFP)